Naming the Disciples | The Wolfe Notes

These notes follow our 7-step rhythm for Bible study. Unless otherwise noted, all Bible quotes are from the International Children's Bible.

Naming the Disciples

(From Luke 6:12-16)

Mountains in Autumn by shogun at Pixabay

1. Summary

Jesus, after praying in solitude on a mountain all night, gathered all of His disciples to Him and from them, chose twelve. He also named them apostles. They were Simon [Peter] and his brother, Andrew; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; Matthew, Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus; Simon the Zealot; Judas the brother of James; and Judas Iscariot. The last Judas is the one who betrayed Jesus.

2. N/W/L Statements

1. I NOTICED that:
1. All the disciples were men.
2. There are a lot of repeated names.
3. Very little information is given about each person.
4. Some of the disciples are coupled with someone else while others are mentioned by themselves.
5. First, Jesus prayed. Then, He called everyone to come to Him on the mountain.
2. I WONDER:
1. If any of the ones who weren't chosen left.
2. How long He knew His disciples before He chose them.
3. If He called any others to follow who weren't among the twelve.
4. What apostles means. (Emissaries or representative. - The Voice)
3. I think God wants us to LEARN:
1. That many are called, but few are chosen. 
2. To pray and seek God's counsel before making decisions. (*Even in prayer, Judas Iscariot was still chosen. Just because we seek God's counsel, doesn't mean everything will work out the way we think it should, but it will work out how God thinks it should.)

3. Key Verse

And it came to pass in those days that he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles. Luke 6:12-13 KJV

This verse reminds me of Jesus' faithful desire to commune with God in prayer. Jesus spent an entire night alone praying to God before He chose His disciples. If this is Jesus' heart, shouldn't it be mine too?

4. God's Character

1. God wants be consulted before we make choices, just like we would a trusted friend. (Jesus sought solitude so He could pray all night. The next morning He chose His disciples.)
1. While Jesus lived on earth, he prayed to God and asked God for help. He prayed with loud cries and tears to the One who could save him from death. And his prayer was heard because he left it all up to God. Hebrews 5:7
2. But if any of you needs wisdom, you should ask God for it. God is generous. He enjoys giving to all people, so God will give you wisdom. James 1:5
3. David asked the Lord, "Should I go and fight these Philistines?" The Lord answered him, "Go. Attack them, and save Keilah." I Samuel 23:2 
2. God's good isn't always our idea of good. (Even though Jesus prayed all night before choosing the twelve, He still chose the one who betrayed Him.)
1. "Father, if it is what you want, then let me not have this cup of suffering. But do what you want, not what I want." Luke 22:42
2. Fig trees may not grow figs. There may be no grapes on the vines. There may be no olives growing on the trees. There may be no food growing in the fields. There may be no sheep in the pens. There may be no cattle in the barns. But I will still be glad in the Lord. I will rejoice in God my Savior. Habakkuk 3:17-18
3. He will kill me I have no hope. But I still will defend my ways to his face. Job 13:15
3. God chooses from among us. But not being chosen for a desired role doesn't mean He loves us any less, nor does it mean we should stop following. (Among the many who followed, Jesus chose twelve. Yet, He was constantly surrounded by throngs of people.)
1. Then the Lord said to Abram, "Leave your country, your relatives, and your father's family. Go to the land I will show you. I will make you a great nation, and I will bless you. I will make you famous. And you will be a blessing to others. I will bless those who bless you. I will place a curse on those who harm you. And all the people on earth will be blessed through you." Genesis 12:1-3 
2. When [Jesse's sons] arrived, Samuel saw Eliab. Samuel thought, "Surely the Lord has appointed this person standing here before him." But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't look at how handsome Eliab is. Don't look at how tall he is. I have not chosen him. God does not see the same way people see. People look at the outside of a person, but the Lord looks at the heart...Then he asked Jesse, "Are these all the sons you have?" Jesse answered, "I still have the youngest son. He is out taking care of the sheep." Samuel said, "send for him. We will not sit down to eat until he arrives." So Jesse sent and had his youngest son brought in. He was a fine boy, tanned and handsome. The Lord said to Samuel, "Go! Appoint him. He is the one." I Samuel 6-12
3. But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! I have chosen Saul for an important work. He must tell about me to non-Jews, to kings, and to the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for my name." Acts 9:15

5. Pray

Thank You, Father, for wanting to be my partner. You want to be consulted on the decisions I'm going to make, and even when the decisions I make feel wrong, You still are able to turn them to good. You always will. When I don't feel chosen by You, please remind me that it doesn't mean I'm not loved by You, it just means I was chosen for a different purpose. Please remind me that my purpose always will be to live a life that honors You in everything I do, and I can because I am strengthened and empowered by Your love. 

6. Act

• Include God in Your decision-making.
• Always trust Him, even when life feels wrong.
• Live fully in the purpose God has for you today.
• Never doubt His love for you, even when you don't feel chosen for the position you wanted. You are never rejected by Him, only called for another purpose. 
• Live for God, empowered by His love.

7. Annotation Notes

? Denotes a question, * a personal thought, x a cross reference, ! a connection, and italics a referenced source.

1. ! Jesus goes up a mountain to pray. There are many mountaintop experiences in the Bible. (Luke 6:12)
1. Noah finding land after the flood. Genesis 8:1-5
2. Abraham preparing to sacrifice Isaac at God's request. Genesis 22:2
3. Moses receiving the ten commandments and meeting God face to face. Exodus 19:3-6
4. Jesus meeting with Moses and Elijah while Peter, James, and John slept nearby. Luke 9:28-36
5. The apostles watch Jesus ascend into heaven. Acts 1:6-12
2. ? I believe the disciples are called apostles after Jesus died. Is Jesus here preparing them for such a commitment? (Luke 6:13)
3. ? Why were the disciples grouped this way, some together and some alone? (Luke 6:14-16)

Sample these related resources:

• To reflect on mountains.
• For thoughts on decision-making.
• For practical tips on facing doubt.
• To consider purpose.
• To respectfully think about God, yourself, and others. 

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